Cardiac Health

Managing cholesterol without or in addition to the use of medication is best done with a combination of diet and exercise. According to WebMD, daily exercise reduces LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, and increases HDL, or "good" cholesterol, by up to 10 percent. Switching to a diet that's low in cholesterol reduces the amount of cholesterol that's consumed, but might not have a measurable effect, as the body produces cholesterol itself.

A:A heart stent is a small tube used to treat narrowed arteries or strengthen weakened arteries, as defined by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Stent manufacturers use metal mesh or fabric to produce these tubes.

A:A silent heart attack is a heart attack that has no symptoms, according to the American Heart Association. It also sometimes refers to a heart attack with minimal or unrecognized symptoms. In any of these three cases, the person having a heart attack does not realize it.

A:According to The Dr. Oz Show, a person can reduce artery plaque if he stops consuming the foods that caused the plaque to develop and incorporates an abundance of heart-healthy foods into his diet. Foods high in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol, such as fast foods and processed meats, cause plaque buildup and should be eliminated. A heart-healthy diet is primarily plant based and contains little fat.

A:According to Mayo Clinic, primary hypertension, or high blood pressure, has no identifiable causes and develops over time. Medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease, thyroid disease, sleep apnea, congenital blood defects and adrenal gland tumors are causes of secondary high blood pressure. Other causes include taking oral contraceptives, using cocaine or amphetamines and abusing alcohol.

A:A healthy serum cholesterol level is 200 milligrams per deciliter or below, according to Mayo Clinic. Readings of 200 to 239 mg/dL are considered borderline high, while readings of 240 mg/dL are classified as high. Keeping cholesterol levels within healthy limits reduces an individual's risk of developing heart disease.

A:According to WebMD, cardiac output is greatest during intense exercise and when a person is approximately in his 20s. The more intense the exercise, the more blood the body's muscle demand from the heart and, therefore, the cardiac output is normally greater than at rest.

A:The majority of those afflicted by high blood pressure, which is also called hypertension, experience no symptoms at all, even when blood pressure reaches dangerous levels. Those who do experience symptoms may have chest pain, fatigue, confusion, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, dizzy spells, dull headaches and nosebleeds. Pounding in the ears, neck or chest may also occur, according to WebMD.

A:To keep the circulatory system healthy, it is important to exercise on a regular basis, eat a healthy diet and avoid smoking. It helps to keep the body active by doing exercises, such as walking, jogging, running, biking, skating, jumping and swimming. Additionally, it is crucial to reduce consumption of junk and oily foods.

A:Managing cholesterol without or in addition to the use of medication is best done with a combination of diet and exercise. According to WebMD, daily exercise reduces LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, and increases HDL, or "good" cholesterol, by up to 10 percent. Switching to a diet that's low in cholesterol reduces the amount of cholesterol that's consumed, but might not have a measurable effect, as the body produces cholesterol itself.

A:As of March 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 112,000 deaths in the United States are associated with obesity annually. It is important to note that as Americans focus on exercising and eating healthy, combined with the advancements in medical science and national promotions that support reducing obesity, this estimate is likely to fluctuate, according to the CDC.

A:WebMD notes that heart palpitations can be treated by lowering stress and anxiety levels and by avoiding certain beverages, foods, stimulants and medications. In order to treat palpitations effectively, the cause first has to be determined so that the best treatment can be prescribed.

A:Regular moderate to vigorous athletic activity can lower a person's resting heart rate, according to WebMD. The best type of exercise for lowering heart rate is aerobic exercise, which strengthens the heart and lungs, increasing the body's use of oxygen. Popular aerobic exercises include brisk walking, jogging, cross-country skiing, swimming, biking and rowing.

A:According to FitDay, improving the cardiovascular system can be done by cutting back on fats and sugars, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep. Good cardiovascular health is crucial for the body not just physically, but psychologically and emotionally as well.

A:The most characteristic symptom of a heart attack, according to the American Heart Association, is a severe, crushing pain in the chest that may radiate outward to the shoulders, arms and neck. Heart attacks can also cause the victim to feel short of breath or panicky and might induce dizziness and a cold, clammy sweat.

A:A rapid heartbeat, also known as tachycardia, is caused by a number of factors, including exercise, anxiety or fear, a current or previous heart attack, blocked arteries, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, substance abuse, stress and some medications and supplements, according to Mayo Clinic. Tachycardia can be normal or a symptom of a bigger problem.

A:Aortic atherosclerosis is the hardening of the aortic artery that occurs when plaque, a substance made of cholesterol, fats and cellular waste, builds up inside the arteries, partially or completely blocking the flow of blood. According to the American Heart Association, atherosclerosis is a progressive disease that may begin in childhood and often does not become a real danger until individuals reach their 50s or 60s.

A:To lower blood pressure without medication, a person should lose weight by exercising often and eating a healthy diet, avoid sodium and alcohol, quit smoking and minimize caffeine intake, notes Mayo Clinic. It is also important to make lifestyle changes that diminish the effects of stress on the body.